What is Indocyanine Green Angiography?
The indocyanine green angiography (ICG angiography or choroidal angiography) is a clinical test performed by an eye care specialist. This test is used to detect any abnormal blood vessels (abnormal retinal and choroidal vessels) that are present in the choroidal vasculature. The choroid is the layer of blood vessels that are under the retina. Indocyanine is a harmless green dye. It gives off infrared light. When the indocyanine is injected into the bloodstream, it travels through the veins to the blood vessels in the eye. A video camera that is connected to a computer picks up the infrared light and takes a picture of the blood’s circulation.
This way the doctor can look for any abnormalities, including choroidal neovascularization or the abnormal growth of new blood vessels in the choroid.
After the test, the dye is removed through the liver. This test poses very little risk, but some people may have a mild allergic reaction. The indocyanine green dye contains iodine and should not be used in patients with iodine allergy or those with kidney failure.
What Does Indocyanine Green Angiography Treat?
With the ICG Angiography, abnormal blood vessels can be detected and the choroidal and retinal circulation. These are associated with eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration. This eye condition can cause bleeding, scarring, and/or vision loss. It can also detect a choroidal hemangioma or circumscribed choroidal hemangioma, benign tumor in the blood vessels in the choroid, the layer of tissue between the retina and the sclera (white part of the eye).
While this test can look at issues with the retina, other tests and screenings may be preferred, including retinal exams, fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and an ultrasound.
Schedule a Consultation
If you need to have this test done, your eye doctor at Boston Vision will tell you how to prepare for this test. If you are experiencing any issues with your eyes, don’t wait to get an examination. To schedule your appointment, book online with us to get started.
